Replying to Skiing with out an ACL??

I gave just blown my ACL and dont have private insurance or 11g to pay for the opperation I need. Now im on the waiting list for the public system here in Australia but i can't get an operation untill may next year. Going a whole northern winter without snow will literally kill my soul so im curious if any one knows if you can ski at a high level with out an ACL with the aid of a really good knee brace? Any positive information would be very much appreciated.. examples of people doing this .. the risks ect. Im really up shit creek with no paddle and im looking for light at the end of the tunnel thanks heaps